Bryan “Bubba” Burns

Champion Thrower

Bryan “Bubba” Burns was born on February 21, 1995, at Freeman Hospital to Dorena and Harley Burns. A 2013 graduate of Carthage High School, he quickly established himself as one of the area’s top athletes, earning four letters in track and field and setting the school record in the discus at 54.58 meters—a mark that still stands—finishing 2nd at the Class 4 State Meet in 2012.

 At Missouri Southern State University, Burns established himself as one of the most decorated throwers in program history. Competing in the shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw, he was a seven-time NCAA Division II All-American and an eight-time All-MIAA performer. Burns graduated as the school record holder in four events — the indoor shot put, outdoor shot put, discus, and hammer throw — and briefly held the weight throw record. Renowned for his power and consistency, he was a mainstay on the All-MIAA teams throughout both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

Burns senior year (2017–2018) was historic. He was named USTFCCCA Central Region Field Athlete of the Year for both the indoor and outdoor seasons, becoming the second athlete in MSSU history to sweep both honors in the same year. He was also recognized as the 2018 MSSU Male Athlete of the Year and the 2018 Outdoor Track and Field Most Valuable Performer. At the MIAA Outdoor Championships, he set a meet record in the discus and qualified for nationals in three events. Heading into his final NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, he ranked second in the nation in the discus, third in the shot put, and 11th in the hammer. He went on to win the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship in the discus, capping off his career at the highest level. His career concluded with personal bests of 20.60m (weight throw), 18.50m (indoor shot put), 18.67m (outdoor shot put), 58.15m (discus), and 61.54m (hammer).

 Over his career, Burns amassed dozens of podium finishes, multiple event wins, and the respect of competitors across the country. His championship performances and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Lions’ Track and Field program and secured his place as one of the premier throwers in both MSSU and MIAA history. More than records, however, Burns carried the pride of his hometown of Carthage, Missouri, every time he stepped into the ring.